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Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers Study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Allison J J Applebaum1, Leah E Walsh1, Talia Zaider2
1Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Research Square
|February 12, 2026
Summary
This study evaluates Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers, an intervention designed to reduce existential distress and improve mental health in caregivers of advanced cancer patients. The trial aims to confirm its efficacy in enhancing meaning, spiritual well-being, and reducing psychological symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Oncology
- Psychotherapy
Background:
- Caregivers of advanced cancer patients face significant responsibilities, leading to high risks of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Existential distress, including loss of meaning and hopelessness, is a key driver of psychopathology in these caregivers.
- Existing interventions often overlook existential distress, necessitating targeted approaches like Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To definitively examine the efficacy of Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (MCP-CC) versus Supportive Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers (SP-CC).
- To assess MCP-CC's impact on primary outcomes (personal meaning, spiritual well-being) and secondary outcomes (anxiety, depression, etc.).
- To explore the mediating role of life meaning and the intervention's effect on bereavement outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A large, multi-site randomized controlled trial enrolling 200 caregivers of patients with advanced solid tumor cancers.
- Evaluation of MCP-CC versus SP-CC on primary and secondary outcomes at baseline, post-treatment, and 6- and 12-month follow-ups.
- Investigation of mediation by sense of meaning in life and impact on pre- and post-loss bereavement.
Main Results:
- Pilot data indicated MCP-CC enhanced personal meaning, benefit finding, and spiritual well-being.
- The current large-scale trial is adequately powered to definitively examine MCP-CC's efficacy.
- Further analysis will explore mediators of change and bereavement outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregivers has the potential to alleviate existential suffering and improve mental health.
- This robust trial will provide definitive evidence on MCP-CC's effectiveness in a diverse caregiver population.
- Findings may inform the development of more effective psychosocial interventions for cancer caregivers.
Keywords:
Cancer caregiverMeaning-Centered Psychotherapy for Cancer Caregiversadvance care planningadvanced cancerbereavementcaregiver supportexistential distressmeaningpurposespiritual wellbeingMore Related Videos
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